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Bravo Royales Series #8

The Earl's Pregnant Bride

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THE STICK TURNED (ROYAL) BLUE…

And now the princess is in a pickle. Because the night that Genevra Bravo-Calabretti and the new Earl of Hartmore, Rafael DeValery, turned to each other, it was for comfort upon the death of his brother—the man who was about to propose to Genny. It was not supposed to change their lives forever.

But it had. For Rafe, it cemented his awareness that he'd been in love with Genevra since forever. And for Genny, it made her realize that Rafe was not the second-chance brother, but the one who'd held her heart all along…now all she had to do was convince him of that. Hopefully before the new heir(ess?) to the estate arrived…

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 3, 2014

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477 people want to read

About the author

Christine Rimmer

723 books429 followers
New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.

A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.

She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.

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5 stars
84 (45%)
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43 (23%)
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41 (22%)
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14 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,827 reviews127 followers
January 10, 2015
Very good book with a friends to lovers theme. Rafe and Genny's attempts to comfort each other over his brother Edward's death had turned physical and passionate. Now Genny's pregnant and Rafe insists that they marry. They've been friends a long time and marrying is no hardship for either. There's also this new and intense attraction between them.

I loved the obvious affection they had for each other, even though neither would speak of love. Rafe already knew that he was in love with her, but he was afraid to tell her. He has secrets about the night he and his brother were in that deadly car accident and he knows if he confesses his love he's going to have to tell her all. He is afraid that she would reject his love if she knew, so he keeps quiet and tries to be satisfied with what he has. He certainly can't complain about the passion between them. I really liked the way he showed how much he cared, involving Genny in the work on the estate and showing her how special she is. It takes a scare with Genny disappearing for him to take his courage in hand and risk it all.

Genny didn't start out knowing she was in love with Rafe. Her intention had always been to marry Edward, because Hartmore would be his. She had convinced herself she was in love with him. It wasn't until after his death and her marriage to Rafe that she realized the truth of her feelings. But she too hesitates to declare her feelings, because she doesn't feel like she's good enough for him. Genny looks at her sisters and sees beautiful and accomplished women and feels that she has nothing worthwhile to offer anyone. Even in college all her interests led back to caring for Hartmore. Her insecurities show up several times when dealing with other women at the estate. I really liked seeing the changes she goes through as she overcomes those feelings with Rafe's attentions.

The secondary characters in the book are all wonderfully done, with each having their own purpose in the story. I especially loved Rafe's grandmother and her way handling all the crises. Young Geoffrey was also a favorite with his clear adoration of his Uncle Rafe and Genny and theirs for him. Though he could have come across spoiled because of his occasional tantrums, they were obviously the result of the stresses he was under. His mother Brooke was one character that was hard to take. She came across as pretty much of a selfish bitch, not seeming to care what her son really needed. I was glad to see her redeem herself in the end. The other two women, Fiona and Melinda, were definitely characters that were unlikable. I detested Fiona's attitude toward her children and her marriage, and some of the things she said to Genny were terrible. Melinda came across as so sweet, but Genny was great at seeing through her. I loved seeing Genny warn Rafe to watch out for her, but typical man he didn't believe her until it was too late. The kitchen scene was great and I loved seeing it unfold. Genny's part was wonderful.
Profile Image for Julie .
4,263 reviews38k followers
September 26, 2014
The Earl's Pregnant Bride by Christine Rimmer is a 2014 Harlequin Special Edition publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story is an interesting take on the friends to lovers trope. Genevra was destined to marry Edward and Hartmore would be hers, the thing she longed for more than anything. But, when Edward dies in a car accident Gen turns to Edward's brother, Rafe. Rafe and Gen has always been the best of friends so an interlude that took place mostly out of a feeling of loss may have been something the couple put behind them until Gen discovers she is pregnant.
There is nothing left for her to do but find Rafe and tell him he is about to be father. Rafe of course insist upon doing the honorable thing and so the two get married. But, the marriage appears doomed from the start. Will, the two continue on in a kind of limbo or will they manage to find the truth in their hearts and admit they not only love each other, but are IN love with each other?

A couple of things that gave me problems was that Rafe is in love with Gen , we know that from the start, but in intimate moments he shared with Gen, he seems formal and aloof , lacking passion. Rafe does improve in that area in the HEA moments, but still needed to loosen up a little. The story sometimes lagged in places and moved just bit too slowly.

What did work was Gen's ability to help Rafe overcome his guilt, talk him into having some work done to help heal the physical scars he suffered in the car accident and the couple realizing they were meant to be together all along. Gen's obsession with Hartmore lessens considerably when she finds out the hard way what is really important in life. The one thing which is tearing at Rafe the most will finally be revealed and the couple will now have the chance to be happy. The secondary characters were well drawn, each contributing a difficulty to Gen's finding happiness and there is Geoffrey who will tug at your heart strings because of his mother's coldness toward him. When all is said and done, all the players will either find a way to improve themselves or they will get their just desserts. So, while the romance in this one didn't exactly sizzle and burn it was still a testament to true love and story worth sharing. Over all this one gets 4 stars.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
467 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2015
Genny had always wanted to be mistress of Hartmore. To be the countess she would need to marry Edward, the heir and since she was an heiress, her desire would most likely come true.

Edward was killed in a car accident and his younger brother Rafe was injured and even though his leg would heal, Rafe had a facial scar. Genny and Race had been friends since childhood so it was natural that they would spend time together comforting each other over Edward's death. Somehow this lead to a four day affair with Genny becoming pregnant.

After the affair, Rafe had refused to see Genny so she climbed over the garden wall. She needed him to know about the pregnancy.

Rafe needed no paternity test and simply said they would marry immediately. Parents and lawyers were consulted immediately as rich titled people had lengthy settlements to attend to but the marriage was quickly done at Hartmore just as Genny had always hoped for.

But mysteries began as soon as Genny settled in at Hartmore. On their wedding night Rafe left the bed and slept in his room when questions about the accident came up. His sister Brooke was nasty to Genny accusing her of getting pregnant just to gain Hartmore. One of her friends visited Genny to tell her that Rafe was a bastard with the blood of a common yeoman and Genny caught another friend of Brooke's kissing and hugging Rafe down in the kitchen trying to rekindle an old romance. Genny's life was being jerked from past issues resurfacing to trying to maintain her marriage while being pregnant. What could happen next?
Profile Image for Dyan.
117 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2014
A good story is one that completely puts me a in a different time or place. While reading the Earl's Pregnant Bride, I really was transported to the beautiful Hartmore in England. Christine Rimmer wrote as if she is a native of the area with beautiful descriptions and details. I loved the character development (hated Brooke, loved her son). The only thing I missed was bumping into other Bravo-Calabrettis!
Profile Image for Jupiter.
494 reviews
July 26, 2025
Lo ame, que pareja tan más linda.
A pesar de que hay una incógnita con respecto al hermano del protagonista, la verdad es que pasa a segundo plano y no es importante, al menos para mi.
Desde el principio hay chispa entre los protagonistas, su matrimonio lo empezaron bien y siguió así, hubo uno que otro secreto pero estos dos se encargan de hablarlo y lo resuelven, me encantó.
451 reviews
November 27, 2024
This book is couldn't put down...I sat and read it all the way through it was so good!!
21 reviews
September 19, 2014
" The Earl's Pregnant Bride" is a delightfully heart-warming romance written by Christine Rimmer, it is one of Bravo Royale series. Don't be concerned if you haven't read any of the preceding books because this book stands alone. Genevra Bravo - Calabretti has always longed for one thing, to be the mistress of Hartmore from the first time she had visited at the ripe age of five. Rafael DeValery, Earl of Hartmore has only desired one thing as well, Gen Bravo-Calabretti . Even though the couple had been close friends all through their childhood, there was only one obstacle in the way. Gen believed herself to be in love with Rafe's brother, Edward, who was tragically killed in a automobile accident, which left Rafe injured and scarred as well. Gen and Rafe find comfort in each other's arms in a four day rendezvous in which neither had planned. Who knew that the condoms that were found in the back of the drawer were expired and Gen would wind up pregnant! Rafe had tried to push her away after their affair but when she came to him with the news of the baby, he did what any honorable man would do, he married her.

The things I enjoyed about Gen, she was a genuine, caring person. she had a loving relationship with Rafe's nephew, Geoffrey, even though at times she really wanted to strangle his mother, Brooke. Also, Gen was a little possessive of her man. It wasn't that she didn't trust him but the other women, who kept popping up like Melinda. Bless his heart, Rafe didn't want to listen to Gen's intuition about his old flame wanting to rekindle the spark. However, he quickly learned to listen when he got caught in the kitchen in a compromising position. I admired Gen's love for the Hartmore House, she wanted so badly to leave her mark on this home, not only because she loved it but because it gave her purpose and built her self-esteem. Gen felt that she cast a dim shadow in compassion to her larger than life sisters.

Even though Rafe had loved Gen forever, he was willing to put aside his love to let her have what she thought she wanted, his brother, until he realized that Edward would continue living his life the same way as before including Fiona, his paramour. This made Rafe take a stand in defending Gen and tragedy stuck killing his brother and leaving him with survior's guilt. Rafe didn't want to talk about the night Edward died because he wanted to spare Gen's feelings. Little did he know, that Gen had realized that it was actually Rafe that held her heart, right along with Hartmore House.
Christine Rimmer weaves a story that most of us can relate with, We all have a melodramatic family member somewhere in our family, you know the one that lives life like they are on stage. There is always an someone lurking in the shadows waiting for you to mess up so they can be the next instead of the ex. Rafe finally revealed his love for Gen and allowed himself to be free from the guilt that hung around his neck since the accident. Gen finally got what she always wanted, to be the Countess of Hartmore and her happily ever after with her loving Earl. I would highly recommend this book, it will leave you with a wide range of emotions and wanting more...
528 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2014
The Earl’s Pregnant Bride is the eighth book in Christine Rimmer’s The Bravo Royales Series. I have read them all and am amazed that each new release is better than the last. These are all standalone books but we are treated to glimpses of prior characters in this book. Rafael DeValery is an Earl with a long lineage while Genevra Bravo-Calabretti is a princess from Montedoro. They’ve known one another since childhood and after a tragedy brings them together a life altering event changes their lives forever. Genny once thought she would marry Rafe’s brother and move to Hartmore, his family home. Instead she finds herself married to Rafe and living in his beloved country home. Rafe’s sister Brooke is someone I really did not like but warmed towards her at the end. I loved her son Geoffrey. He was adorable with how much he loved and cared for Rafe and Genny. Eloise, Rafe’s grandmother was a terrific lady, yet I didn’t like how she pampered Brooke. Fiona and Melinda were the characters you love to hate.

I love stories that bring the characters together in times of trouble only to realize that they’ve loved one another since childhood. This is one of those stories. Rafe and Genny’s love shines throughout the book. They just needed to recognize it. Through conflicts with Melinda and Brooke, they realize what the other means to them.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Earl’s Pregnant Bride and read it in one sitting. It is a fabulous book that I would highly recommend. I can’t say enough about Ms. Rimmer. She knows how to tell a story and can definitely bring out the emotions in her characters. I look forward to her next release in the Bravo series. I would like to disclose that I received a copy of The Earl’s Pregnant Bride in exchange for a fair and honest review.








Profile Image for Janie.
1,539 reviews15 followers
October 13, 2014
I loved this book "The Earl's Pregnant Bride" by Christine Rimmer. It is a love story between Princess Genevra Bravo-Calabretti and the Earl of Hartmore, Rafe. Genny has always known she would be a part of the DeValery family. She was engaged to Edward, Rafe's brother, before he died in a car accident. During an evening of consoling each other Genny and Rafe make love,and now she is pregnant with his child. Genny is climbing the wall to get out of the palace to confront Rafe about the baby, They decided that they cared enough about each other to get married.

There are other people who live with Rafe at the mansion, and life isn't as easy or uncomplicated as they thought. Many people try to come between them but is their relationship strong enough to hold together? Will they finally figure out that the caring has turned into love? You will enjoy this continuation of the series 'Bravo Royales.' 5 out of 5 stars.
2,041 reviews23 followers
September 21, 2014
I loved and enjoyed reading the amazing, engaging, captivating, Harlequin Special Edition of The Earl's Pregnant Bride autographed by the talented Christine Rimmer that I received free from Goodreads First Reads.
Four months ago Princess Genevra had a passionate four day affair with the new Earl of Harmore, Rafael DeValery to comfort one another over the death of Rafael's older brother. For four months, Genevra has been trying to contact Rafael to let him know that she was pregnant. Rafael and Genevra marry for the sake of the their unborn child.
Read the highly recommended, beautifully written, awesome, romantic love story of Genevra and Rafael in The Earl's Pregnant Bride (The Bravo Series) by the wonderful writer, Christine Rimmer.
Profile Image for Motleigh.
13 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of places in the plot where a lesser writer would have made the characters keep a secret just to draw out the tension, but for the most part, the characters here deal with things head on, with honesty and humor. I loved how the situation with the ex-girlfriend, Melinda played out, I found it very believable and true to life. The only reason it's not a 5 star is because there is that ONE big secret that makes everyone's life miserable, but ends up being no big deal in the end and in a book that had such an open, warm relationship between the main characters, it just felt a little off. I can't wait to read more about the family and catch little updates about this couple.
88 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2014
A great addition to The Bravo Royals's series. Christine Rimmer always writes such wonderful stories. And love the way the family ties follow from one book to the other.
This book has Princess Genevra Bravo-Calabretti marrying the Earl's yonger brother, Rafael DeValery, after she gets pregnant while consoling him when his brother's dies. Genny always intended to marry Edward and become mistress of Hartmore. But as she and Rafe begin their life together things are not the way she thought. Adding in a few secrets that Rafe's sister, Brooke, and her friends were keeping and Genny's felings, keeps this book humorous and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jane.
374 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2014
A baby, Genevra pregnant, two brothers, and Harmore. Secrets, Love and so much more all wrapped up together.
Genevra was planning to marry for the wrong reasons. Then Edward dies in an accident. She comforts his brother, Rafe, who's been her friend since she was five years old.
Lies, deceit and more come to the forefront throughout the story. Real life as it happens whether in a castle or not.
Life is not always roses. The thorns almost choke it out, but a beautiful rose blooms forth. Baby Tommy looks just like his father.
True love wins out in so many ways.
A very good read.
43 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2014
The Earl's Pregnant Bride is another in Christine Rimmer's The Bravo Royales series. The story is very well written and each one in the series outdoes the previous. If you have not read any of the others in the series you can still read this book. Two friends Genevra Bravo-Calabretti and Earl of Hartmore were meant for each other and were in love all along but did not realize it at the time. The characters were very warm and caring. Easy to relate to. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book by Christine...she does not disappoint.
13 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2014
I was so thrilled to read this latest book from Christine Rimmer. I enjoyed the storyline of childhood friends becoming lovers and then the trials of the romance after that! I thought it was funny and captivating and a very good read. I so enjoy a book that is part of a series but that you can read by itself and not miss a single thing. That is definately this book. I would encourage everyone to get this book and read it for a good read.
Profile Image for Deanna Vrba.
51 reviews
September 23, 2014
Edward was going to propose to Genny but he died before he could in an accident with Rafael and in a moment of comfort Genny and Rafe made love and then he avoided her because of the guilt that he felt over the accident and Genny found out she was pregnant and she wanted to tell him and he proposed that they get married and she knew he only married her for the baby sake and moved in to Hartmore manor . but his sister Brooke told Genny was not good enough to be in the family
Profile Image for Lisa Gregory.
23 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2014
I started reading this book and could not put down until the wee hours. I just absolute love this book. Genny is so spunky and independent and hard headed all rolled in to one. Rafe is Genny's best friend and he suits her. Genny's dream is to marry Rafe's brother so she can become the lady of Hartmore. Fate has other plans for her and Rafe. Super great read . Be ready for tears and laughter and love you get it all in this book.
Profile Image for Anita Hayes.
100 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2014
Another good book in the Bravo series. I love the fact that they are lifetime friends first and Christine writes these Royal stories like the characters are every day people. With as many as are in the series, it is refreshing to see everyone of them very different and unique. Good job Christine Rimmer and I can not wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Debi Samuels.
119 reviews
October 30, 2014
Probably one of the most wishy-washy books I've read in a while. predictable, beyond predictable. Read the title, there's the entire story. It would have been nice if they maybe had some obstacles or maybe some easily fixed reasons in the beginning but basically you could have read the last chapter and skipped the rest and still known the entire story
Profile Image for Emily Higgins.
1,934 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2015
Genny had always wanted to live on the DeValery family estate. After the elder brother died in a car accident, Genny and Rafe, the younger brother, had a brief affair. Despite precautions, Genny became pregnant. When she told Rafe, they decided to marry. Now, Genny must find a way to let Rafe know that she loves only him. Cute story.
Profile Image for Amy O'neal.
161 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2014
as someone has already said. this is a book about true love and finding who you were meants to be with. loved this story about rafe and genevra. who would have thought someone would find their true love at 5 years old. glad they realized they were meant to be together.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,810 followers
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January 12, 2016
"Rimmer’s latest page-turner shines. The crumbling English manor, darkly brooding earl and eclectic co-stars lend a gothic air. The couple impresses in this enigmatic friends-to-lovers puzzler" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).

Miniseries: The Bravo Royales
66 reviews
October 1, 2014
Christine, you blow me away with your writing, being able to transport me to a time and place. Thank you for sharing with us. The Earl's Pregnant Bride was a heart felt story that had me sitting on my edge and wishing for the best results. You did not disappoint me.
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
September 23, 2016
What a delightful book. I enjoy all of this author's books and I am set to read this series once again. I have enjoyed each and every book and will comment further once I reread since it has been a good while since I went through the series.
902 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2016
This was another wonderful story in the Bravo saga. I Love these books and can't wait for the new ones. Love the characters and all from different stories, also.
Profile Image for Wilma Gillespie.
2 reviews
September 17, 2014
Christine Rimmer did it again! I connected with the main characters and felt the emotion of each and every page. I could NOT put this book done! I recommend to everyone!
Profile Image for Norma.
778 reviews
September 19, 2014
Read The Earl's Pregnant Bride in a single evening. At times, it moved a bit slow but still it was a wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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